Forty years ago, 3% of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer survived five years or more. Today, in this brave new world of relentless technological and medical advances, that figure is still 3% with no breakthrough in sight.

Pancreatic cancer is the most pernicious of cancers. It is subtle yet deadly. By the time it’s detected the question of the end becomes not if, but when.

Very recently my wife’s uncle, Richard Stott, a brilliant and lovely man, was taken by this devil of a cancer. And now, it has my mother in its awful, tenacious grip and its inevitable work is under way. This triathlon takes place in August, but my mother is unlikely to see the Summer out.

If we do not fund research into this cancer more generously, if we do not raise awareness of its fatal, inevitable and painful consequences, in forty years time the survival rate will still be a paltry 3%.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor me now!

Many thanks for your support. Further update. Mum passed away on 19th August and so didn't, quite, reach the end of Summer. Thanks to St Elizabeth's Hospice in Ipswich for their wonderful palliative care.